Atypical sex chromosome patterns

• What are the two conditions associated with Atypical Chromosome Patterns?

  • Turner's Syndrome (girls)
  • Klinefelter's Syndrome (boys)
• What is Turner's Syndrome?

  • The absence of a chromosome (XO)
  • Occurs in 1/5000 females
  • Physical Characteristics: webbed neck, no ovaries, short stature, weak bones
  • Psychological Characteristics: Higher than average verbal ability, lower than average math skills, difficulty relating to peers
  • Treatments: Hormone replacement, growth hormones, IVF
• What is Klinefelter's Syndrome?

  • An extra X chromosome in males (XXY)
  • Affects 1/500 males
  • Physical Characteristics: reduced body hair, underdeveloped genitals, poor co-ordination
  • Psychological Characteristics: Poorly developed language amd reading skills, reduced interest in sex
  • Treatments: replacement hormones, speech therapy
• What are 2 strengths and 2 limitations of atypical sex chromosome patterns?

  S: Contribution to nature vs nurture debate

  L: Environmental Explanations

  L: Unusual Sample

  S: Practical Application
• Why is contribution to nature vs nurture debate a strength?

  • By comparing people with these conditions with chromosome typical individuals, it becomes possible to see psychological and behavioural differences between 2 groups.
  • e.g., finding that individuals with Turner's sydrome have higher verbal ability than 'typical' girls
  • Might be logically inferred that these differences have a biological basis and are a direct result of abnormal chromsome structures
  • This suggests that innate 'nature' influences have a powerful effect on psychology and behaviour.